need some help from the socal people

[Garrett]

i just recently started to SUP and am loving it, but i need help finding a beach where i can learn to ride waves. ive been spending most of my time in the flats but i tried some waves and they were just throwing me around. i have had very little experience surfing a few years ago. so i need some help finding a beach where im not going to just be thrown around and i can learn to catch the waves. thank you.

[kurtr]

Hi Garrett,

What area are you in?  If you're in north O.C., Ray Bay in Seal Beach at medium-plus tide tends to have gentle waves that work well for SUP.  You can get nice long rides there, and the waves gradually die out (and often reform) as they move into the river between the jetties instead of ending in obnoxious shorebreak. 

The only down side is that you sometimes get a washing-machine effect as the wind chop mixes with goofy side swells bouncing off the jetties, but I figure it pays off in improved balance.   

Down south, try Dog Patch at San Onofre, and Doheny has a reputation as a good beginner's spot.

John Ashley, www.paddlesurf.net, is coming out with a guide to SoCal SUP surf spots pretty soon.  I'll be getting one for sure!

Let me know if you plan on trying Ray Bay.  It's my local spot, and I'm usually there early/midweek on weekdays.


Kurt

[Garrett]

i live in ventura county. do you know any good spots around here?

[kurtr]

Nope -- sorry.  With any luck, there's someone from up there on the forum who will eventually see this.  In general, though, if you can find a spot with small, mushy waves that don't break anywhere near shore, that would be your best bet for learning.  Maybe your local surf shop can advise. 

Of course, learning to surf does involve being thrown around a lot.  As long as you can manage to avoid getting hit by your board (or hitting someone else), constant wipeouts are part of the fun of learning.  If you can find another beginner to surf with, you can laugh at each other's clumsiness and share the stoke as you make progress.  But learning to surf well is a long, long process, so enjoy every minute of it!    

   


Kurt

[Southbay]

I live in Hermosa Beach, and usually SUP in fround of my house on 30th St in Hermosa.  I have only been SUP-ing for abouth a month.  I have a surfing background, but have picked it up fairly quickly catching waves and having a great time.  The ride is REALLY short, but good pratice.  You could also try El Porto in North Manhattan Beach.  The ride is a little longer, but is gets really crowded.  I get out there around 6am, and it is empty, but by 7am it is packed.  Where do you live?

[steamroller]

i live in ventura county. do you know any good spots around here?

the two jettys just south of the C-st pier are usually small, uncrowded and are good to learn at...

also the northernmost part of emma wood is a good place where you will be away from everybody and

mondos is good beginner break too...just stay off to the side away from all teh other beginners

have fun...